Volvo, limestone producer test autonomous on/off-highway truck

Volvo Trucks North America’s European parent has entered an agreement to equip Norway limestone producer Brønnøy Kalk AS with six dump body-bearing Volvo FH cabover models programmed for driverless operation. Following individual vehicle demonstrations this year, the fleet will be deployed in 2019 to haul rock from underground mine to crusher, navigating a three-mile route of tunnels and outdoor roads at the direction of a wheel loader operator.

The agreement represents a Volvo Trucks first: Rather than purchasing autonomous vehicles, Brønnøy Kalk is buying a limestone transport solution. “By working in a confined area on a predetermined route, we can find out how to get the best out of the solution and tailor it to specific customer needs,” says Volvo Trucks Director of Autonomous Solutions Sasko Cuklev.

“Global transport needs are changing at a very high pace and the industry is demanding new and advanced solutions to stay ahead,” adds President Claes Nilsson. “Our aim is to be the leader of the development of products and services to respond to these demands.”